The fact she had raised an eyebrow out of, what seemed to be, amusement made Steele second guess himself if that sort of comment had been the right thing to say to her. He felt like if there had been anything wrong, she'd tell him, but he had felt like it had been a nice comment, more than anything. Not that he would have known she had such an upbringing during her youth, but Steele seemed to almost have the opposite of what Kitty had gone through.
Going from an absolute goofball around people and having fun with others, only to slowly be turned and hardened more and more by the world he had chosen to enter fresh out of school. While him being in the spot he was now was a great opportunity for the hound, especially as it gave him the chance to own his own bar, he still wondered if getting involved with business dealings and becoming such a high-ranking officer within the company had been in his best interest. After all, it seemed he was constantly having to worry about shipments and making sure places got where they needed to go. For all purposes, it, well...
Basically got rid of any "fun" he had from his younger years.
But something about being around the mouse brought back part of his youth. When he was more relaxed and was able to take whatever was thrown his way and turn it into a positive. Something about being around her did that for him. He couldn't explain it, but it was comforting, it really was. Especially when she was able to roll with the punches right back his way.
❝I like to think I have my moments of being smart, but I think you and I both know that sort of thing can only do so much,❞ he chuckled softly and felt part of the fur on his neck stand on end as he felt her hand begin to move gently through the fur on his forearm. Did he stop her from doing it? Absolutely not. He wasn't about to get in her way if she wanted to do something so idly.
I mean, c'mon... it was clear the hound enjoyed the feeling of her, even if he was not one who was saying it outright. That was something he had considered speaking his mind about to her, but he was still holding himself back to try and wait for the right time to mention something like that. While Steele had, theoretically, found moments he could have said something, there was always a part of him that held him back.
He didn't know what it was for sure, but he had a feeling it was likely because he still didn't know if the two of them were comfortable enough to go that route. Sure, the hound might have been a brute every now and again... but that didn't mean he lost his manners at any point.
His gaze stays locked onto her for a moment, watching as her eyes flick down before his blue eyes met her own gorgeous gaze. Her comment did make him laugh softly as he shook his head from side to side.
❝You're not wrong about that... I've always wondered if that's something that you should keep up doing instead of just finding someone to take you on to start a singing career,❞ he replied after a few moments of shaking his head in amusement, ❝I don't doubt what you do pays well. But I would always love to see you try somethin' else out as well. What that may be? I'm not sure, but... I'm sure dressing scantily could be saved for other times with someone more intimate if you catch my meaning.❞
Was he trying to flirt ever so gently? Maybe. Maybe he was. Was he about to make it obvious? Not really. Or, well, not yet, anyway. He had some tricks up his sleeve he could pull in that regard anyway...
The idea that Kitty could be doing something other than her current gigs was always one she played with. After all, she had been bred for artistry. Ballet had been her love once, still was if she were to answer honestly. Ballet had structure, order and the tagging of being an approved form of expression. If her mother saw what she did now, Kitty would be thrice over disowned, she is certain.
That mental image brings another humored smile to her lips. Her nails continue to delicately plate over his arm. They twirl in dizzying, slow ministrations, inching up closer to his elbow before slipping all the way back down to his wrist. The mouse hums and stops her fingers there, playing at the butt of his palm now instead.
❛ Just singing? Mmm. Maybe. It is not as lucrative, though. ❜ Finally, she frees Steele from her slinking and tracing, returning her hands to herself as her arms cross beneath her so she may have a place to rest at the table. She's going to take a small chance, perhaps be a little more forthcoming.
Which is not something she often does. But... she likes their conversations. Besides, the whole 'mystery' aspect could only go so far for her.
❛ I could have been a pretty, dainty, little ballerina, you know. I was very good,❜ she muses. Until she had shattered her knee, that is. ❛ But then I wouldn't get to meet as interesting people. ❜ Like him, she means. Kitty smirks up at the other, holding her head up in a manner to appear more poised -- mockingly so.
❛ I was under the impression people LIKED what I do. It certainly has worked for your business, hasn't it? ❜ A challenge, albeit a playful one. Kitty wouldn't reconsider her entire career for one person, not at this point in her life anyway. Sure, it wasn't as 'classy' as what she was capable of. But it was still freeing and nurtured that starving feeling for creativity and attention she craved.
❛ But it's duly noted how you'd like to see me scantily clad, Steele.❜